Phuket

Phuket is one of the oldest cities in Thailand

Phuket is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. It consists of the island of Phuket, the country’s largest island, and another 32 smaller islands off its coast. It lies off the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. Phuket Island is connected by the Sarasin Bridge to Phang Nga Province to the north. The next nearest province is Krabi, to the east across Phang Nga Bay.

TOP THINGS TO DO

Known as the pearl of the Andaman Sea, Phuketis the largest island in Thailand. Besides many beautiful beaches and off the coast attractions, Phuket has a lot of interesting in land attractions including its Old Town, Wat Chalong, Big Buddha, zipline parks, Muay Thai camps, Turtle sanctuaries, aquarium, and even cooking schools.

Beaches

With over 20 beaches in Phuket, everyone should be able to find the ones with the right atmospheres, scenery and facilities to their likings

Old Phuket Town

The Old Phuket Town is located along Thalang, Phang-nga, Yaowarat and Krabi roads

Wat Chalong

The famous temple in Phuket which features the gilt-covered statue of Luangpho Chaem

Laem Phromthep

Located on the southernmost tip of Phuket with a panoramic view, this viewpoint is famous for sunset watching

Wat Phra Yai or Wat Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkhon (Big Buddha)

Located on top Khao Nak Koet and commonly called ‘the Big Buddha’ this 45m tall statue is revered by both the people of Phuket and visitors alike

The Upside Down House

Located on Bypass Road (Chalermphrakiat Road), called Ban Teelanka in Thai, the pink house stands upside down

Off the coast / Water activities

The best time to enjoy off the coast activities in Phuket is between November till April, when it tends to have less rain and clear blue sea

Ziplining Experience

Adventure lovers can climb, swing, fly, soar, and walk through rainforest at one of several zipline adventure parks in Phuket

Local Bike Tours

Cycling tours along sandy Mai Khao beach, down country roads or past lush coconut groves teeming with wildlife are available

Muay Thai (Thai Boxing)

Phuket is a great destination if you want to learn Muay Thai

Cooking Classes

There are many cooking classes on offer in Phuket. A typical day commences with a visit to the morning market

Dino Park Mini Golf

Located between Karon and Kata Beaches, this 18-hole mini-golf course uses the light and sound techniques to feature dinosaurs and an erupting volcano

Simon Cabaret

This hugely popular tourist attraction has been wowing audiences for years with its exotic, hilarious, and transvestite cabaret

Phuket Fantasea

TRANSPORTATIONS

Tuk Tuks are the small open sided vehicleswhich can be found everywhere on the island. Most of them are red and they work just like taxis. Fares should be negotiated and agreedbefore you hop in. As the seats are quite small, it is not recommended for long distance trip.Fares depend on distance, time, weather and your negotiation skills.

Songthaews are the open aired local buses, mostly in blue-yellow. They follow fixed routeswith no fixed bus-stops so you just flag them when they pass by. Prices are fixed and much cheaper than Tuk Tuks and taxis but it takes longer to reach your destination. Some Songthaews are happy to be chartered when they don’t have other passengers.

While this may be a convenient way to get around, it is not the safest way. If you have to use the service, wear the helmet and only do so for just short trips. They are usually stationed around the street corners. The drivers often wear colourfuled vests.

Roads in and around Phuket are well signed in English so foreigners can easily drive around on their own. Car rental operators can be easily found at Phuket airport, Phuket town and the main roads along the main beaches such as Patong.